| Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan system -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan systemUSPTO Application #: 20060159388Title: Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan system Abstract: In an optical LAN system, an optical connector is provided between the input and output optical fiber cables and each of the node devices. The optical connector includes a movable body (a switch body) having a prism. The movable body is switched selectively between a first position (a first state) at which the input and output optical fiber cables are optically connected to the node device and a second position (a second state) in which the input optical fiber cable and the output optical fiber cable are optically connected to each other in such a manner as to bypass the node device. This arrangement suppresses a network crash by means of a relatively simple configuration. (end of abstract) Agent: Posz Law Group, PLC - Reston, VA, US Inventors: Shinichi Kawase, Youichi Okubo, Michiya Katou USPTO Applicaton #: 20060159388 - Class: 385016000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Optical Waveguides, With Optical Coupler, Switch (i.e., Switching From One Terminal To Another, Not Modulation) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060159388. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to optical path switch apparatuses used in optical LAN systems, and more particularly, to techniques for suppressing network crashes caused by problems of node devices. [0002] A general ring type optical LAN system includes a plurality of node devices that are connected together by optical fiber cables for defining a network. An optical signal is circulated through the node devices by means of the optical fiber cables. Thus, if any one of the node devices fails, the optical signal cannot be passed to a node device subsequent to the failed node device, which results in a network crash. [0003] Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-273810 discloses a technique of suppressing a network crash when any one of the node devices fails. More specifically, according to the technique, each node device is connected to an input optical fiber cable and an output optical fiber cable by an optical connector functioning as an optical path switch apparatus. The optical connector includes a first network terminal connected to the input optical fiber cable and a second network terminal connected to the output optical fiber cable. The optical connector also includes a first node terminal and a second node terminal that are connected to the node device. Further, the optical connector has a first optical switch and a second optical switch. The first optical switch selectively connects or disconnects the network terminals with respect to each other. The second optical switch selectively connects or disconnects each of the node terminals with respect to the corresponding one of the network terminals. [0004] If the node device functions normally, the first optical switch becomes open so that the network terminals are disconnected from each other and the second optical switch is closed so that each node terminal is connected to the corresponding network terminal. In this state, the input optical fiber cable is connected to the node device through the first network terminal, the second optical switch, and the first node terminal. Further, the output optical fiber cable is connected to the node device through the second network terminal, the second optical switch, and the second node terminal. As a result, the node device is held in a state allowed to receive an optical signal from the input optical fiber cable and sending the optical signal to the output optical fiber cable. [0005] If the node device fails, the first optical switch is closed so that the network terminals are connected to each other and the second optical switch becomes open so that the node terminals are disconnected from the corresponding network terminals. In this state, the input optical fiber cable is connected to the output optical fiber cable through the first network terminal, the first optical switch, and the second network terminal. Further, the failed node device is disconnected from the input and output optical fiber cables. Accordingly, the optical signal is sent from the input optical fiber cable to the output optical fiber cable in such a manner as to bypass the failed node device. In this manner, a network crash caused by the failure of the node device is prevented. [0006] As described in the aforementioned document, the optical connector has the first optical switch selectively connecting or disconnecting the input and output optical fiber cables with respect to each other and the second optical switch selectively connecting or disconnecting the input and output optical fiber cables with respect to the node device. That is, the optical connector must have at least two optical switches for switching the optical path, or the first and second optical switches. The switches are controlled independently from each other. This complicates the configuration of the optical connector and increases the cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an optical path switch apparatus of an optical LAN system that is capable of suppressing a network crash by means of a relatively simple configuration. [0008] To achieve the foregoing and other objectives and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, an optical path switch apparatus for an optical LAN system is provided. The apparatus is provided between input and output optical fiber cables and a node device. The apparatus includes a switch body including an optical member. The switch body is switched selectively between a first state in which the input and output optical fiber cables are optically connected to the node device, and a second state in which the input optical fiber cable and the output optical fiber cable are optically connected to each other in such a manner as to bypass the node device. [0009] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which: [0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an optical LAN system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2(a) is a side view schematically showing an optical connector provided in each of the node devices of FIG. 1, as maintained in a state in which a movable body is located at a first position; [0013] FIG. 2(b) is a schematic plan view corresponding to FIG. 2(a); [0014] FIG. 3(a) is a side view schematically showing the optical connector, as held in a state in which the movable body is located at a second position; [0015] FIG. 3(b) is a schematic plan view corresponding to FIG. 3(a); [0016] FIG. 4(a) is a side view schematically showing an optical connector of a modification of the first embodiment, as held in a state in which a movable body is located at a first position; [0017] FIG. 4(b) is a side view schematically showing the optical connector of FIG. 4(a), as held in a state in which the movable body is located at a second position; [0018] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing a modification of the first embodiment; [0019] FIG. 6(a) is a plan view schematically showing an optical connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as held in a state in which a movable body is located at a first position; [0020] FIG. 6(b) is a plan view schematically showing the optical connector of FIG. 6(a), as held in a state in which the movable body is located at a second position; [0021] FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a modification of the second embodiment; and Continue reading... Full patent description for Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Photonic integrated circuit device and elements thereof Next Patent Application: Optical filter element and wavelength division multiplexing optical coupler Industry Class: Optical waveguides ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Optical path switch apparatus of optical lan system patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 6.59081 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry |
||
